**Key Witness in Lima Mayor's Corruption Case Found Dead Ahead of Trial**

Tue Jul 01 2025 13:00:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Key Witness in Lima Mayor's Corruption Case Found Dead Ahead of Trial**

A crucial figure in the corruption investigation involving former Lima mayor Susana Villarán has been discovered deceased, raising new concerns ahead of the impending trial.


The unfortunate death of José Miguel Castro, a key co-defendant in the case, could significantly impact the prosecution against Villarán, accused of taking millions in bribes.

Authorities in Peru are grappling with the shocking news of José Miguel Castro's death, a pivotal witness in the corruption case against Susana Villarán, the former mayor of Lima. Castro was found dead at his residence just weeks ahead of a trial set to begin on September 23. His contribution was deemed essential by prosecutors, particularly given his status as a co-defendant alongside Villarán, who served as the mayor from 2011 to 2014.

Castro, who was living under house arrest while cooperating with the investigation, was considered the “second most important person” in the case, as he allegedly played a significant role in the corruption linked to the Brazilian construction firms Odebrecht and OAS, from which Villarán is accused of accepting bribes totaling $10 million. Despite previously admitting to receiving funds for her campaign, Villarán has consistently denied that these contributions were bribes.

Prosecutors are now left to reevaluate their strategy following Castro’s untimely death, which leaves a gap in the testimony that could have corroborated claims against Villarán. The circumstances surrounding Castro's death remain unclear, adding to the complexity of a case that has already implicated numerous politicians in Peru, including former presidents who have faced serious legal consequences related to corruption scandals.

The ongoing investigation into Villarán marks a notable chapter in the broader Odebrecht scandal that has shaken several Latin American nations, where bribery was employed to secure lucrative government contracts. With the trial looming, the loss of a key witness raises pressing questions about the future of this high-profile case. Analysts are closely watching the developments, as the implications extend beyond Lima and bear importance for issues of corruption across the region.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:30:03 GMT

Key Witness in Corruption Trial of Former Lima Mayor Found Dead

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:30:03 GMT
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:30:50 GMT

**Trump's Controversial Deal: The Return of MS-13 Leaders to El Salvador**

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:30:50 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:14:46 GMT

Serbia Faces Unrest as Police Clash with Rising Tide of Protesters

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:14:46 GMT
Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:13:40 GMT

Serbian Police Clash with Massive Protesters Demanding Elections in Belgrade

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:13:40 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:20:26 GMT

French Police Officers to Be Tried for Assaulting Black Music Producer

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:20:26 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:26:22 GMT

Pope Leo XIV’s Mixed Legacy on Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 09:26:22 GMT
Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:34:02 GMT

Diddy's Defense Calls Trial a "Fake" as Closing Arguments Conclude

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:34:02 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:41:02 GMT

Cocaine Use Soars: UN Reports Record Growth in Global Market

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:41:02 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:22:38 GMT

India Recovers Flight Data from Crashed Air India Boeing 787 in Key Investigation Step

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:22:38 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:48:14 GMT

**Kim Kardashian's 'Grandpa Robber' Dies Post-Conviction Due to Illness**

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:48:14 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:50:45 GMT

Former Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary Resigns to Challenge President Biya in Upcoming Elections

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:50:45 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:11:04 GMT

U.S. Accuses Mexican Firms of Money Laundering Linked to Fentanyl Trade

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:11:04 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:11:08 GMT

British Man Arrested for Attempting Mock Wedding with Child at Disneyland Paris

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 18:11:08 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:31:02 GMT

Nicki Minaj Accuses Jay-Z and Roc Nation of Sabotage, Igniting Legal and Personal Drama

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:31:02 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:42:58 GMT

British Paedophile Arrested for Staging Mock Wedding to Ukrainian Child at Disneyland Paris

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 12:42:58 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:38:00 GMT

After Trump’s Election: JBS Revitalizes Amid Controversies

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:38:00 GMT
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:15:50 GMT

**British Man Arrested for Disneyland Mock Wedding to Minor Faces Multiple Charges**

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:15:50 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:12:01 GMT

British Man Arrested Over Fake Wedding with 9-Year-Old at Disneyland Paris

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:12:01 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:45:22 GMT

Navigating the Complexities of the Diddy Trial: Key Insights from the Prosecution's Case

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:45:22 GMT
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:28:32 GMT

Bayesian Yacht Wreck Recovery Opens New Phase in Investigation

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:28:32 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.